Oriental Spicy Slaw
A vibrant, spicy Asian-inspired slaw with crisp cabbage, crunchy almonds, and sesame seeds, perfect for large gatherings or cookouts needing bold flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup rice or cider vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dark oriental sesame oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp hot chili oil ⓘ
- 2 1/2 lbs green cabbage, finely shredded ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 3 packages chicken-flavored oriental noodles with seasoning packets
- 1 cup toasted slivered almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, rice or cider vinegar, salt, pepper, water, sesame oil, and hot chili oil until the sugar dissolves to make the dressing.
- Combine the dressing with the shredded cabbage and chopped green onions.
- About 4 hours before serving, crumble in 3 packages of chicken-flavored oriental noodles and sprinkle the seasoning packet contents over all.
- Toss to mix well, cover, and chill. The noodles will soften as they absorb moisture.
- Just before serving, add toasted slivered almonds and toasted sesame seeds.
- Toss again to mix well and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider using a mix of cabbage types, such as red cabbage or Napa cabbage. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot chili oil or substitute with a milder sauce. You can also add shredded carrots for extra color and sweetness. This slaw can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Oriental Spicy Slaw as a vibrant side dish to grilled meats or alongside dishes like Chicken With Brown Rice And Carrots. It also works well as a topping for tacos or wraps. Garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may continue to absorb moisture, so if the slaw appears dry, add a splash of vinegar or a bit more sesame oil before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the cabbage and noodles can become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Spicy Slaw contains roughly 1537 calories, with 51g protein, 239g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (101% of the Daily Value), iron (64% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this slaw vegan?
Yes, to make this slaw vegan, simply omit the chicken-flavored noodle packets or use a plant-based alternative. The dressing is already vegan-friendly, and the dish will still be delicious without the added flavors from the chicken seasoning.
How long can I let the slaw sit before serving?
It's best to let the slaw sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but it can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep in mind that the noodles will continue to soften, so if you prefer a firmer texture, you may want to add them closer to serving time.
Can I add other vegetables to this slaw?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or snap peas for added crunch and flavor. Just remember to keep the overall volume in mind so the dressing adequately coats everything. This flexibility allows you to customize the slaw to your liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).